The Tait Family

2012-02-20T13:19:00.010-06:00

The past week is a blur. We've been so busy soaking up every minute with Shan, Hannah, and Emmi. Poor Carter was a little under the weather, but that didn't stop us from having fun:-) He rallied and pepped up pretty quickly. I can't believe how much bigger the girls have gotten in just a month. It was SO good to see them. We were sad to see them go:-( Easter can't come soon enough.

Chandler LOVES Emmi and is SO sweet with her.

Shan got the most adorable video of Chandler giving Emmi a kiss. I'll have to post it here too.

Chandler in her favorite rocker...it used to be her seat.

Isn't she the cutest ever?

Pool time with Popper:-)

Dirty feet. Bare feet on grandma's porch.

Winding down the evening.

I got to go on the boat with Hannah and Chandler (and grandpa). Just us girls.

Two peas in a pod.

Grandpa time.

(pictures are a little out of order Grrr. sorry)

Playing a little golf.

Cracking each other up.

Carter trying to figure it all out.

Daddy to the rescue.

Rocking Emmi.

Cutest cousins ever.

On Sunday, the Mike took us to Pelican Bay to see some alligators.

Carter was in heaven...it definitely took his mind off the fact that Hannah left to go home.

He loved every minute of it. We saw ducks.

turtles.

baby alligators.

momma alligators.

blue heron.

and smiley babies. LOL. and many more animals not pictured.

Chandler was pretty into it as well. Not sure what she really saw. But she had fun.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2012-02-13T20:10:00.007-06:00

from our cuties:-)

Yes Shan, I'm the mom that went all out... Carter and I had a good time picking out the design and putting them together. I ran out of time to do one for Chandler. Sorry Channie:-(

The finished product.

The card inside. Love this smile.

RAWRRRRRR. Carter LOVES dinosaurs now. So fun. I'm relieved to look at something other than trains and cars:-)

Failed attempt to get a shot of the two of them together. This was the best one. But it was hilarious trying.

I'm going to get you MOM.

Got you! Love the wind blown hair.

Cracking herself up.

My favorite...typical Chandler. MMUM DAT. (Mom, what's that?)

Hope you have a super SWEET day!!!

2012-02-08T19:36:00.012-06:00

What a look. Fresh buzz for little man. His hair has gotten so light.

Run, run, run...

I'm so proud of Carter!!! He's been riding his bike on pretty long bike rides with us. He rides in between Brian and I and is such a good listener.

More beach time.

Carter's into decorating his castles. Don't laugh. This is what my child calls a castle...I know it's just a small mound, but he's happy nonetheless:-) Besides I've found that if I build anything bigger it's a lot more fragile and harder to rebuild when it inevitably gets knocked over:-)

Brian and I went out to dinner to celebrate our anniversary. Yummy sushi.

Love you.

Carter always meets friends at the park. So fun to watch him.

Slap happy.

My gym pics.

Chandler LOVES slides. She has no fear. She goes down all by herself.

First time in her floaty suit.

kick, kick, kick

She's totally comfortable in the water now. YAY. She had me worried for a while that she was going to hate water.

I'm keeping it real here. Carter had a rough evening on Monday. He's been so good lately, I thought we were past throwing fits and being defiant. Of course, he was an angel at school. We didn't get to do our usual after school routine because it was raining and I swear he was just thrown off by this and crabby. It's a while since we've had a bad night. He was testing me in full force. He had two time outs before daddy came home. He was a little better with Brian home, but not much. Needless to say, it was an early bedtime. I kept trying to figure out what was going on...did he not feel well, was he tired, hungry, upset with me, upset that daddy was going out of town, etc. I know I'll never know, but I replayed the whole evening over and over in my head. Wish I could read his mind:-)Whatever it was, thankfully yesterday and today were great. Phew!!! I don't think I could handle that kind of behavior on a daily basis.

Chandler is growing up so fast. She knows what she wants!!! It cracks me up when she shakes her head YES and NO. She even says NO now which is hilarious. She's still very smiley, but is definitely more opinionated these days. She just started throwing mini fits when she doesn't get her way. This is the age/stage...fun fun. Two weeks ago, she broke out with a rash on her back pretty bad. It took a while to rule everything out since so much was new....detergent, weather/sweat, bugs, drinking all whole milk now, etc. Turns out it was the milk. We switched her to soy milk (which we had to do with Carter too) and she's had no problems. Carter would projectile vomit when he had small amounts of whole milk. Chandler was drinking it with no issues so I thought we were in the clear. Turns out different kids, do have different reactions. She LOVES the enriched soy milk. It seems that in her case its a quantity thing...she has no problem with yogurt or cheese, or when I mixed her formula with whole milk. So she continues to eat yogurt and other diary products, but only drinks soy milk. Another thing we've been trying to figure out is two naps v. one nap. Some days she needs two, other days she seems fine with just one. We're just taking it on a day by day basis right now depending on where we need to be and how she's doing. Carter gave up two naps around this age too.

Things are going really well. I do miss Shan and all our friends back home, but I knew I would going into this. Carter's school has lots of events and I've gotten to meet a lot of moms, but it's hard to break into such a tight knit group. I'm navigating as best I can. I'm not the most outgoing person when it come to introducing myself and whatnot...plus it doesn't help to have two kids in tow trying to handle them and participate in a conversation. Hopefully it will get easier:-) I went to mass with Carter and his class last week. They all did so good. We're going to start going more regularly with Carter now that he's older. I know he CAN do it. We've been talking a lot more about God now that he's in a catholic school program. I just love their little religion topics each week. Brian has been out of town since early Tuesday morning. I'm so relieved he's coming home late tonight. I don't know how single parents do it. I'm more exhausted than usual at the end of the day. I've been asleep by 9:00 every night. The kids totally miss him too. Yesterday at grandma and popper's Chandler went right to the office, opened the door, and squealed DADDA...only to be disappointed that he's not where he usually is:-( When I asked her where's daddy, she just put her hands up and looked at his chair. Ok. enough rambling for now. Have a great rest of the week!!!

Happy Friday!!!

2012-02-03T10:21:00.004-06:00

It's been another fun and busy week. I'm not sure where the time goes. Two noteworthy events: 1. Chandler has really taken off. After working with her for a week, she gets how to push herself on her princess ride-on car. When Carter hops on his bike, she gets on her car. So cute. 2. Carter is eating yogurt and ice cream. He's even willingly drinking milk. This is huge considering it's been 3 years of trying. He just doesn't like diary at ALL. And hasn't had any problems digesting them. YAY.

I find myself taking a TON of photos down here. I just can't help myself:-)

Since she's 'riding' her car, we decided to get her acclimated to wearing a helmet. She does pretty good.

Carter's live caterpillars came. He LOVES watching them and talking about how they will become butterflies. So fun.

Trouble.

Wait for me.

Happy Anniversary to US!!!

2012-02-01T19:49:00.007-06:00

February 2.

4 years ago today we celebrated one of the most beautiful and special days of my life. Since then, we've created many memories together. Our love has grown in ways I could've never imagined. 4 years, 2 kids, and an incredible best friend/husband/father. I feel so blessed. To many, many more years.... I look forward to being real snowbirds together when we're old and gray:-)

Sunshine does a body good.

2012-02-01T09:17:00.005-06:00

We've been having such a blast. I'm happy to report Chandler now loves the water and is warming up to sand. She'll walk along the beach and selectively play in it. We've been swimming just about every other day.

Carter LOVES his Popper time and is getting good at swimming in his floaty suit.

The rings are their favorite.

Go get it Popper...lol.

Another breakthrough...Carter ate some ice cream with sprinkles of course. Only took him 3 years to like the taste of ice cream. Hopefully this wasn't a fluke. Chandler enjoyed an empty come and a few bites of mine.

Carter was in heaven 'driving' the golf cart at Boca Grande.

Chandler wanted so badly to sit up front with Carter, grandma, and grandpa.

Grandma always finds the best books.

This was such an awesome park.

Carter found lots of cool shells. Shell collecting has become a beach-must for him.

Chandler climbed on just about every beach chair.

She's gotten good at walking in the sand and isn't afraid of the water any more. Go Chandler. Two weeks of constant exposure did the trick.

Carter showing off his new fishy sweater.

Best buds.

More beach.

January 30th.

2012-01-29T21:32:00.006-06:00

Today's very bittersweet. I'm trying my hardest to celebrate my brother's life...all the while missing him. Seven years ago today, Johnny went to a better place. I believe with all my heart he's watching over us today. Smiling, laughing, sharing in our lives, and loving all his nieces and nephews.

Rest In Peace Sweet Brother...John Paul Peterman 12/21/79-1/30/2005

Cherish every.single.day and make sure to tell the special people in your lives how much you love them today. If you have a moment, say a special prayer for Johnny and our family today.

We just spent a beautiful weekend with my parents at Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande. I have no doubt Johnny was there with us...watching Carter sing (and Chandler dance to) his favorite Raffi songs was so special. Nothing like the innocence of children to make you laugh and cry in the same moment.

2012-01-25T19:24:00.006-06:00

Carter Update: He LOVES his new teacher and class. He was a little unsure the first day at drop off, but didn't cry. I was so proud of him. Today was day 2 (he goes mwf) and he had a great day. YAY Carter! He seems to really like it here and hasn't asked too much about home, home.

Chandler Update: I didn't see a few things coming.... 1. She was so upset on Monday without Carter. I just thought she was teething, but as soon as we picked Carter up she was like a different person. Which made me think the real issue was that she was missing him. Today she did better without him, but was EXCITED to see him after school. Who knows. I know it's a lot of change for her right now. 2. She seems to have a fear of the water (pools or beach) and DOESN'T like sand. We've gone swimming 3 times this week and she's doing better. By that I mean, she tolerates it and doesn't cry the whole time like the first day. She loved the water this summer...I guess she's just more aware now. By the time we left the beach yesterday, she would walk in the sand, but man was she relieved when we left. Too funny. I'm going to keep working with her slowly. New textures are throwing her off. Carter's so cute. He just talks to her in a sweet voice and tells her 'it's ok channie, see I'll show you.' I took Chandler to her first My Gym class today. She was so cute. I'm looking forward to going with her weekly. She's been a MAJOR momma's girl the past few weeks...it's not getting any better. It's to the point where she seeks me out if I leave the room. If someone tries to pick her up, she shakes her head and says 'no no no.' and runs to me. Hmmmm. Not good. Any suggestions...working on more time away from her.

Me Update: It still feels like we're on vacation. I find myself trying to squeeze in so much every day. I have the midwest mentality...I have to be, do, go in order to take advantage of the nice weather. The reality is that every day we've been here so far has been nice. Needless to say, we're getting lots of exercise and enjoying lots of outdoor time. Everyone's BEAT at the end of the day. It still feels a little weird...is it really January. I feel like I'm cheating or something.

My Gym photos

Chandler was very content to play on the blanket. We've been working on keeping her hat on.

Carter loved every minute of it. He collected lots of shells and had fun dipping his toes in the water with grandma (the water was a little too chilly to swim).

Evening bike ride.

Even Milo gets to join us for short rides.

*we're heading to the bike shop this weekend to get helmets.

Little missy feel asleep in the stroller on our walk to get some ice cream...aka cone and sprinkles for Carter for having such a good day at school.

2012-01-20T14:22:00.010-06:00

Picture overload. As you can see, we're enjoying ourselves (despite passing a cold around:-). Carter's now 100% and Chandler has it now. It's not phasing her too much. And sure as heck isn't stopping her from wanting to play with her big bro. Carter starts school tomorrow. Fingers crossed it goes well. He's excited so we'll see. Chandler's going to miss him. They have been so cute together lately.

Carter loves to ride his bike. Poor Chandler just walks/runs after him. She's trying so hard to figure out the scooter.

Where'd Carter go?

She thought she was pretty cool.

Greeting daddy at the door. Tough day at the office. Brian works at grandma and popper's house. They have a huge office and quiet house ;-) It's 4 blocks away.

Silly, Silly.

Bubbles.

Best Buds.

Love my babies.

Boat ride.

Carter and Grandpa looking for dolphins. We saw so many. Great job guys.

Girlfriend has an arm.

My walking buddies...looking a little tired.

Fun in the SUN.

2012-01-19T11:13:00.006-06:00

MLK Parade.

Carter LOVED all the fire trucks.

Chandler slept through the whole thing...loud marching bands and all.

I could just eat her up. Isn't this the sweetest visor/headband.

These two couldn't get enough of the pier. All the pelican, fisherman, and people kept them occupied for a while.

Bathing beauty.

Getting lots of park time in too.

Carter feeling better. YAY:-)

We made it!

2012-01-18T14:43:00.004-06:00

We arrived on Sunday at 12:30 pm. Almost exactly a 24 hour trip. We drove straight through only stopping to eat once at Cracker Barrel in Kentucky and to gas up/switch drivers. It was a pretty good trip. Poor Carter did get sick once, but it wasn't too bad. I was prepared just in case that might happen. Chandler fought going to sleep which she hardly ever does. The kids slept from 8:30 - midnight in their car seats, then I took them in the back to lay down with me (there's a queen sized bed in the back.) We all slept soundly until about 7:30 am. Wooohooo. Carter woke up feeling a little better, but started with a cough. The dogs were SO good. We walked them when we stopped and they all were in their kennels the whole time.

The weather has been amazing here. We've been busy settling in and taking it easy. Good thing I already researched a pediatrician here because Carter was just not doing good come Monday afternoon. We got an appointment right away and off we went. He's got a bad cold that has moved to his chest. He's on medicine now and seems to be doing better today (Wednesday). Poor thing has been up the past two nights coughing. Although, it wasn't nearly as bad last night. He's got his spunk back today so fingers crossed. We're kind of laying low until he's 100%.

The beast! This thing easily fit 3 adults, 2 kids, and 3 dogs. Thanks so much mom and dad for letting us drive it down.

Passing the time doing our 'letters'

Chandler really loves to do what Carter's doing. Sister catches on pretty fast.

Being silly with daddy.

Just making bubbles using the iphone app.

Obsessed with Carter's headphones.

Cat nap.

Carter makes her laugh like no one else.

Sitting in the co-pilot seat with daddy.

John (family friend) or Uncle John as Carter calls him. Thanks so much for driving with us!

Cheese.

Chandler tried to steal all the stickers.

Her favorite thing to do was take the crayons out of the box and put them in 'her' bag.

Snoozing away.

More pictures to come from this week.

New Year, New Journey

2012-01-13T14:24:00.010-06:00

Saturday morning, we're heading out on a 24 hr drive with the kids and dogs to Florida (pray for my patience). I have plenty of stuff to entertain Carter, it's Chandler I worry about. She's at the GO GO GO stage. For the next 4 months, we'll call Naples, FL home. While the kids are young, we decided to take advantage of an amazing opportunity to be 'Snow Birds.' We're very lucky Brian can work from anywhere and that my parents have a house down there where we can stay. We're going to be a few blocks from Grandma and Popper's house. We LOVE Naples and decided to just go for it. The only thing I'm nervous about is Carter starting a new school program. He's enrolled in a 3-day a week program. I have a feeling the first two weeks are going to be an adjustment, but that he'll come around like he always does. I hope to find some classes to do with Chandler once we're down there.

Nothing like our first real snow, to bid us farewell...

Stomach flu is no fun:-(

2012-01-13T13:43:00.007-06:00

It came on Wednesday night after dinner and it didn't stop until Thursday morning. I haven't seen my little man that sick in a long time. Poor thing just couldn't stop throwing up. We went through all our extra towels and blankets. Thank God we were able to get it under control and SLOWLY get him hydrated again. 'Grandpa's chair' was key to helping make Carter feel better. We needed to keep him upright and comfy... reclined and upright did the trick! We don't usually plug this chair in unless Grandpa comes (grandpa has a bad back). The kids play with the automatic recline button too much. Carter thought he was pretty special :-)

He slept for over 6 hours yesterday.

All he wanted to do was snuggle with me. He was patient and knew I had to put Chandler down for her nap before I could. Holding him and watching him sleep brought back so many newborn memories. Luckily, after a long afternoon nap. He woke up feeling better. Poor thing kept asking for more 'juice' aka Gatorade. I would only give him 2 oz every 20 minutes and it was killing him. He didn't understand that if he drank too much, too fast he would get sick again. Hard to explain to a 3 year old who knows what he wants. So I invented the 'timer game.' I let him press in the numbers to set the timer on our microwave to 20:00. He knew he could have any more until the timer beeped. It really stopped the 'momma can I have juice now' question and tears. This morning he asked for some more 'alligator juice.' Gatorade=Alligator. I got a good laugh. All the alligator juice you want today buddy. The cleaning lady was here yesterday and I (with Chandler's help) cleaned ALL their toys...praying no one else gets it before we head out on a 24 hr drive to Florida.

Carter slept like a champ last night and woke up just about 100%. Need to get a little more food in him. We ventured out this morning to finish some paperwork and get Carter a haircut. I can't even tell you how relieved I am that my happy, healthy 3 year old is back. He's been such an angel all day.

Brian headed up to Sheboygan this morning to meet our nephew born 1/10/12. Henry John Vergeront. I'm so bummed I didn't get a chance to meet the little man before we leave. Brian promised to take lots of photos. Congrats Katy and John. We love you:-)

Pizza party at the Gray's

2012-01-13T13:18:00.004-06:00

On Sunday, we had a pizza party at Amy and Steve's. The last get together for a while:-( The kids (and adults) had a blast. Carter wanted Chandler to wear her 'doggie dress' because he said it looked like Levi (their dog). So cute.

The big kids enjoying some dessert.

We were all talking and watching football. Then, I turned around to see Chandler helping herself to their leftovers. BUSTED, but so adorable.

Sister wanted one of her own. She knew where all the treats were.

Jack. Decked out in his Greenbay gear.

Carter's going to miss Ella (and Jack).

Milk buddies.

Thanks again for such a FUN night.

Discover the Dinosaurs

2012-01-09T08:01:00.010-06:00

We had such a fun weekend. Saturday night I had the girls over to meet Emmi and catch up, while Brian and the kids went to hang out with Uncle Evan and Hannah. Totally a win/win. It was so nice to see everyone before we head out. Sunday morning, we took the kids to see Discover the Dinosaurs. Carter is really starting to get into dinosaurs. Although, he does get a little scared depending on whether they're 'nice' dinosaurs. We knew there was a chance he'd take one look at the life size, animated creatures and want to leave. As it turns out, the minute we walked in, he grabbed my leg and was pretty unsure. We were able to talk him through it and within five minutes he was all about it. Chandler was very content to look at everything from the stroller. She didn't make a peep and excitedly pointed at thing. When we took her out of her seat for a few pictures, she got scared and wanted nothing to do with the dinosaurs. I totally didn't see that coming. You just never know. After about two hours we headed out so the kids could nap at home. We had a play date/dinner at the Gray's later that evening. We had such a great time watching the kids play and watching football. We're so lucky to have awesome neighbors. We're gonna miss them the next few months.

Christmas

2012-01-05T10:53:00.007-06:00

I know this post is a little late, considering it's now Jan 5th....

I feel likes Christmas was ages ago. We took our decorations down Dec 26th. No messing around this year. We need to get the house back in order and get everything packed up for Florida. Carter was pretty upset. He really LOVED all the lights and his mini tree. Ace, our Elf on the Shelf, is still a topic of conversation. My favorite question (said with a sad face and hand gesture) was 'mommy, why is christmas over?' I mean what do you say to that. There needs to be a children's book on the subject. We have talked about this many, many times...Baby Jesus' birthday is once a year, Santa and Ace had to go back to the North Pole, etc, etc. This week I've been busy taking care of two little ones with colds and a sick husband. Not to mention, Chandler decided she wanted to learn how to 'run' and fell pretty hard into the door. Poor thing looks beat up. More on that later. Knock on wood, I've just had sore throat. Everyone is finally almost 100% I've got everything laid out for Florida. YAY. Just need to figure out the most efficient way to pack up 3 months worth of stuff:-)

We had a great New Years in Sheboygan. Praying Aunt Katy has her baby in the next few days. Come on Baby V. We can't wait to meet you:-)

Hope everyone's having a great new year...I'll try to post more later. For now, enjoy some Christmas photos. It was such a special time.

Carter and Hannah taking a break. Watching a show on Grandma and Poppers bed. They thought they were pretty cool.

All the lovely ladies:-)

Hi Emmi.

Carter loves him some Aunt Claire and Jake.

My precious baby girl.

Carter could play with trains all day.

Family shot. Carter didn't want to smile for us. He's 3 all right.

Christmas morning at our house.

Carter was only concerned with finding his Doc Hudson. he would open a gift and say 'oh man, not doc hudson.' He's pretty much obsessed with this little car. Needless to say, Santa did bring it for him. YAY. Wish we would've gotten a shot of him opening it.

Christmas Eve at the lake.

2012-01-02T20:13:00.007-06:00

No ice skating this year:-(

Chandler had a blast exploring the playroom. What a difference 4 months make...now she's walking and into everything.

Her favorite gift was her first baby doll!!! Thank you Mary and Pat. It was so adorable to see her carrying it around.

Trying to sit in the bouncer with her baby.

Hugs. She held and rocked her baby all night. We decided to name her Noel.

Henry's getting so big!

It was so difficult to get a group shot.

There was way too much going on.

Chandler wanted out pretty much the minute I set her down. Hannah and Carter were trying everything to make her smile. So cute.

But no dice. She was teething pretty bad and was a MAJOR momma's girl. Two more teeth finally broke through. YAY.

The girls in their matching outfits.

Chandler was obsessed with putting her baby in Emmi's car seat.

Grandma Sinnema and Emmi.

Chandler was in heaven with no childproof locks in the kitchen.

The boys taking a little break to watch a show.

Grandma said "she heard Santa was in the neighborhood to say HI to all the good girls and boys."

Carter and Hannah were beyond excited. Charlie and Liam were pretty unsure and watched from afar. Chandler was scared to death and held onto me for dear life.

Right before bed, we headed home so Santa could come to our house and bring presents. I didn't get any shots of the kids with Santa because if I got too close Chandler would scream. Thank you, Thank you Tim and Sandy for making the kids night.

First Dentist Appointments

2011-12-28T20:30:00.003-06:00

December 21st we took the kids to Brush. It's a super cute kids dentist office that just opened in Hinsdale. I'm not sure why we waited so long to take Carter... I guess it just wasn't a priority. Needless to say, Chandler's getting a much earlier start. Both did GREAT. Carter even allowed them to do a full cleaning and xrays. He has all his teeth and is doing perfect. Luckily, Brian was able to come with me. It was definitely one of those outings where it was a lot easier to divide and conquer. Carter wanted me to go with him so daddy got to take Chandler. Chandler was pretty unsure about the whole experience, but was a trooper.

Carter liked wearing their 'sunglasses'

All done. A+ kiddo.

Brian wasn't able to get a shot of Chandler while in her appt. This was the closest I could get her to go back to the green chair.

A few more pictures

2011-12-27T10:44:00.005-06:00

from the party!

Too funny. Can you say teething? Look at all the drool in these photos. One more tooth is just about all the way through. YAY. Chandler and Carter had their first dentist appointment Dec 21st more on that to come. Gotta catch up on posting.

Chandler's 1st Birthday Party

2011-12-26T21:18:00.008-06:00

We thought it only appropriate for our C.A.T to have a Hello Kitty party, complete with horse and carriage rides and lots of family. It was such a FUN night!!!

The big kids got to play downstairs by themselves. Playroom in the basement=much less chaos upstairs. Hannah wore her finest Hello Kitty too.

We went all out with the carriage rides, but it was totally worth it.

Carter asked the following morning 'where'd our horsey go?' He was very concerned. So sweet and innocent.

CHEESE. Chandler was way too into checking it all out.

Grandma Sinnema holding Emmi. Wish I would've gotten a picture of Hannah, Chandler, and Emmi in their Hello Kitty shirts.

Popper and Luca

Singing Happy Birthday.

Smash Cake. Chandler dug in, but kept it relatively clean. She licked lots of frosting off her fingers, but didn't really get to the cake.

She kept looking around at us...as if to get the OK to continue. Are you watching me? LOL.

Opening a few presents later that night. Notice Carter wearing his Birthday crown too. Too cute.

Thank you all for helping celebrate our sweet baby girl.

Made it on the air...

2011-12-26T17:18:00.003-06:00

http://www.nbcchicago.com/video/#!/shows/newstoday/First-Birthdays_-Monday,-December-26/136220783

Happy 1st Birthday Chandler Ann!!!

2011-12-22T20:29:00.013-06:00

December 23rd 2010

How can it be? My sweet baby girl's 1. I swear the time has gone by too fast. I just want to hold on tight to my baby and not let go. Those cheeks, those legs. Love them. Your the sweetest, happiest little girl...who can light up a room in seconds. Your a fast learner, love to be active, never get tired of watching your brother, and absolutely adore him. Carter can make you laugh like no one else. My wish is for the two of you to always be this close. Some milestones: your officially a walker, have a shoe obsession, are a good eater, wear size 18-24 month clothes, have mastered your sippy cup, are completely fascinated with baby Emerson (I just know you'd be a great big sister one day if we decide to have another), I'm down to nursing once a day, you understand SO much and are talking up a storm, you have really started to use sign language (so cute), your 100% a momma's girl (if you know I'm in the house you will cry/yell/seek me out), you love bath time and brushing your teeth (you have 5 teeth with 2 more starting to break through), your still an early riser 5:30-6am (we're experimenting with only one nap a day to see if this helps-no luck so far), on the plus side your a GREAT napper... I'm sure I'm missing so much, but all I really want to document is HOW much we LOVE you.

We're so blessed to call you our daughter!

We had a family party to celebrate Chandler's big day earlier this week. More pictures to come:-)

Happy Birthday to US.

2011-12-21T14:15:00.001-06:00

Today I want to wish Shannon and Johnny a very Happy 32nd Birthday. I know Johnny is watching over us from above. I love you both dearly.

Happy 3rd Birthday Carter John!!!

2011-12-19T20:46:00.004-06:00

December 20th 2008

My how you've grown...

This past year you've grown SO much. Looking back, makes me appreciate just how much. You're such a bright and curious little boy. You absolutely love trains, cars, bulldozers, helicopters (basically all transportation vehicles). A few noteworthy accomplishments include: being 100% potty trained, getting dressed by yourself (including shoes and jacket), know your abc's (still have to work on proper annunciation of a few letter), are counting up a storm, talk in full sentences and remember EVERYTHING, are way more adventurous with food, knock-on-wood seem to be over the tantrum stage (although still have your whiney days), have mastered riding a balance bike, most importantly are such a joy to have in our lives, and the BEST big brother.

You love your Channie Ann (as you call her) and it melts my heart. She absolutely adores you too.

Tonight we put the tent on your bed. We've had it for over a year and a half and have been saving it for your 3rd Birthday. YOU LOVE IT.

Gingerbread and Snow.

2011-12-17T21:24:00.004-06:00

I can hardly believe tomorrow is Dec 18th...in the next 7 days we'll celebrate three birthdays and Christmas. Yikes!!! Thankfully, we already had Carter's party. Of course, we'll do a little special something for him on the 20th too. I still can't wrap my head around the fact that my baby boy's turning 3 and that baby girl's going to be 1. I get so emotional around this time of year. I feel so blessed. At the same time, my/our birthday is always bittersweet. Not a day goes by that I don't think about Johnny, especially during the holidays.

Ok, ok so on to more uplifting topics. Since we were all sick last week (Carter -ear infection, Chandler- cold, me-stomach bug & tooth abscess), we've been making up for lost time the past few days. Trying to pack as much holiday cheer we can into each day. Carter has been waiting to make his gingerbread train. He loved every minute of it. SO fun to watch him and Brian get into it.

Chandler was all over the place. She tried to pull herself up onto the chair to 'help.' Next year, Channie.

She quickly moved on to Carter's toys.

And trying to get into place she's not supposed to be (the bathroom).

Love my boys!

So innocent.

The finished product.

Snow. Carter couldn't wait to put his boots on and shovel.

Chandler just stood at the door pointing and tapping on it. SO cute.